put it in the pocket

Entry #3 - Closing in...

So from the mystical Atacama we headed back to Antofogasta, a coastal copper mining town. A friend of a friend, Keka (shout out!), let us stay with her and her mom before our trip back down south to my home away from home, Cachagua. We spent the last week there wandering the beach, eating empanadas, and reading. Oh and getting geared up for the 18th.

Getting a lesson from Luisa about chorros (and so much more). The beach here is made of shells.
I guess that's only appropriate for a city built on sand.

Keka and Luisa breakin it down to what I remember is "Smoke on the Water"

Interlude - Emily eating empanadas "Queso-Camaron Queso"

'La Vanesa' had us waiting on those steps ever' day.
Claudia has made a deal with the devil.
These things are crack.

It's hard to get back on the wagon after a 4-week binge of empanadas. I'm feeling for my lady, who no longer has a steady supply of deep fried cheese pockets available to her at all hours of the night. If you or anyone you know has an inside tip to get some in Northern Cali/Nevada, please leave a contact number in the comments box. Much appreciated.

- Nina And Desparate Affiliates

CACHAGUA - AKA Stinson Beach, Chile

This is by far and away the most detailed map we have seen of the area. It was in a driveway in Valpairiso and everytime we tried to take this pic, a deafening alarm would sound.
Man, knowledge IS power.

See that island? 10 whole penguins live on it.

My neighbors.
Those of you from West Marin will understand what this means.

EH! EH! EH! PAcifiCA! PAcifiCA! PAcifiCA!
I live here! It's a school!

My kitchen/ the school office. Secretary pictured (left).

So beautiful, right?!?!?!?!
It averages about 40F degrees in here.

September 18th is Chilean Independence Day. Nerds will tell you it was actually the 11th but pshhh whatever, Luis. The important thing here is that it's CINCO DIAS DE DESCANSO!. The way the holiday fell this year, we got 5 days of meat eating, cueca dancing, and an opportunity to watch cowboys push cows around (rodeo).